Congressional Investigations

The Congressional Investigations Practice Group includes lawyers with decades of experience with investigations at the intersection of law and politics. The team includes a former associate counsel to the president of the United States, a former investigative counsel for the U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, more than a dozen federal prosecutors and other former senior enforcement officials. From high-profile political investigations to probes targeting the private sector on issues such as climate change, social media censorship and banking access, McGuireWoods has been there. Over the past 20 years, we have built strong personal and professional relationships with members and their staff, with the firm known for adroitly navigating the halls of Congress.

Media scrutiny, the glare of the spotlight and shifting political dynamics are some of the unique challenges posed by congressional investigations — challenges never more prevalent than when the balance of power in Congress changes hands. Corporate conduct that was appropriate when it occurred can become the target of committee staff motivated by a partisan political agenda.

McGuireWoods’ congressional investigations team also leverages the strengths of our highly regarded colleagues at McGuireWoods Consulting, comprised of former elected officials, senior executive branch officials, more than a dozen senior congressional staffers, and White House and legislative staff. To provide the most innovative, in-depth services to clients, McGuireWoods also relies on our technical industry experience across sectors, including defense, financial institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical, energy, education, infrastructure, technology and transportation.

How We Help

McGuireWoods guides clients at every stage of a congressional investigation — from initial outreach by a committee to high-profile hearings and beyond. Our team works across legal, political and public relations dimensions to minimize risk and protect clients’ reputations and business interests.

The Congressional Investigations Practice Group:

• responds to congressional subpoenas for documents or testimony;
• negotiates scope and terms of production with committee staff;
• prepares witnesses for hearings using “mock panels”;
• evaluates privilege and sensitive information for potential exposure;
• manages media relations and public messaging strategies;
• coordinates with boards, shareholders and executive leadership;
• mitigates downstream legal risks, including criminal and civil litigation;
• partnering with McGuireWoods’ strategic risk and crisis management group; and
• advising on political and regulatory implications of congressional scrutiny.

Representative Experience

• Large pharmaceutical companies in congressional probes into the opioid crisis;
• Financial institutions in investigations related to oversight of CARES Act and PPP;
• Healthcare organization and government contractor in multiyear investigation that included significant document productions, staff interviews and a consequential hearing;
• Financial institution in weaponization investigation related to sharing information with law enforcement;
• Major social media platform in congressional investigations, including those related to censorship and online safety for children;
• Witnesses in dealings with the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, including litigation and related government investigations;
• U.S. Attorney in congressional probe regarding criminal charging decisions;
• Former president of USA Gymnastics in sexual abuse investigation;
• Major aerospace company in high-visibility Pentagon matter;
• Major government contractor in Senate testimony regarding veterans hiring issues;
• Acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the “Fast and Furious” congressional investigation; and
• Senior executive of BP in hearings related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

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